Quick Answer
The correct answer is defense in depth, because this principle relies on implementing multiple security controls like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and antivirus software to create layered protection for assets. Rather than depending on a single safeguard, defense in depth ensures that if one layer fails, another stands ready to block or detect an attack, much like the concentric rings of a castle’s defenses. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this concept often appears in scenario-based questions where you must identify the overarching strategy behind a stack of different controls—a common trap is confusing it with least privilege or separation of duties, which focus on access and task division rather than layered countermeasures. To remember it, think of an onion: each layer of security adds another barrier, and peeling one away still leaves others intact.
This CC practice question tests your understanding of security principles. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
An organization decides to implement multiple security controls, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and antivirus software. Which security principle does this represent?
Least privilege
Why wrong: Least privilege is about minimum access rights.
Defense in depth
Defense in depth uses multiple layers of controls to protect assets.
Risk avoidance
Why wrong: Risk avoidance eliminates risk, not implement controls.
Separation of duties
Why wrong: Separation of duties divides critical tasks among people.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Defense in depth
Defense in depth uses multiple layers of security controls to protect assets. Option A (Least privilege) is about access permissions. Option B (Separation of duties) divides tasks. Option D (Risk avoidance) eliminates risk.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Least privilege
Why it's wrong here
Least privilege is about minimum access rights.
Defense in depth
Why this is correct
Defense in depth uses multiple layers of controls to protect assets.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Risk avoidance
Why it's wrong here
Risk avoidance eliminates risk, not implement controls.
Separation of duties
Why it's wrong here
Separation of duties divides critical tasks among people.
Common exam traps
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
A security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CC questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Security Principles — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Security Principles — This question tests Security Principles — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: Defense in depth — Defense in depth uses multiple layers of security controls to protect assets. Option A (Least privilege) is about access permissions. Option B (Separation of duties) divides tasks. Option D (Risk avoidance) eliminates risk.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CC questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which TWO of the following controls are examples of defense in depth?
mediumWhy C: Defense in depth uses multiple layers. Firewalls and anti-malware are typical layers. Option A (firewall) is a network layer, Option C (anti-malware) is a host layer. Option B (single sign-on) is a convenience feature, not a security layer. Option D (strong password policy) is a procedural control but not a layered defense. Option E (encryption) is a control but defense in depth focuses on overlapping controls; encryption alone is not a layer in the same sense. However, encryption can be considered a layer, but typically defense in depth includes network, host, and application layers. For this question, firewall and anti-malware are clearest.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This CC practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CC exam.
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